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Why Do Home Owners Need a Roof Inspection?

Whether on a commercial or a residential dwelling, the roof is an integral part of all buildings. Any issues with the roof will result in the interior of the building not being adequately protected from the elements. Problems can start off as minor nuisances but they will eventually develop into serious issues. Just like any other part of a house, the roof will slowly wear over time as it is constantly exposed to the forces of nature. While a good roof design and construction can ensure that natural wear and tear is minimized over longer periods of time, there are several things that can happen that will result in premature failure of the structure.

Inspect Your Roof Regularly

The most common roof issues are caused by extreme weather conditions and storms. If you live in an area that is prone to severe weather then regular roof maintenance and inspection is particularly important. Even if your roof looks fine from the outside and from the attic, to a trained eye there may subtle problems that could have significant consequences in the future. Also note that it doesn’t take a hurricane or tornado to cause damage. Regular strong winds and very heavy rain can all add up over time, creating areas of weakness that will ultimately lead to a failure of the roof itself. The best thing you can do is to hire a professional to regularly inspect your roof, especially after a particularly severe storm or if you suspect some damage has occurred.

Another very common reason for roofing problems is the settlement of a new building. Many people falsely believe that a new house and roof does not require inspection for many years. However, as a new building’s foundation and material gradually settles, this can cause cracks and gaps to appear in the roof structure. As these can be very subtle they will only be noticeable to a trained professional who can help avoid any long-term damage. As soon as the first signs of failure have been identified they should be dealt with as immediately. Consequences of roof failures can be very costly and will definitely become more expensive the longer you wait. One of the most common issues that will be encountered is water leakage. Dependent on how significant the roof problem is you can encounter anything from a small drip to a full out flooding of your home.

Faults in Your Roof Can Cause High Energy Bills

Loss of insulation is another very common issue you can encounter, as any gaps in the roof structure will cause drafts and are a potential area for thermal exchange to take place. While it may not be immediately noticeable in warmer times of the year, once winter comes you will probably find it more difficult to heat your home and notice higher energy bills. Finally, faults in the roof can pose a potential access point for birds and vermin, which is definitely something that you want to avoid. Even very small holes and cracks can be enough for mice and rats to get through in search of food and shelter. All these issues can be avoided by regular roof inspections, and a small upfront investment can quickly pay off in the long term.